Volcanoes and lakes on sacred lands

Lake & Volcanoes District (CHI)

Mysteries and keys of life in pacific ocean

The Lake and Volcano District in Chile, also known as the Araucanía and Los Ríos regions, is a stunning natural and cultural region located in the southern part of the country. This region is characterized by its beautiful landscapes, which include pristine lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, lush forests, and hot springs.

The Lake and Volcano District is a popular destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities. It’s a must-visit region for anyone exploring Chile’s diverse landscapes.
The region is known for its adventure tourism, including volcano climbing, canopy tours, and zip-lining. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Lake and Volcanoes District (CHI)

lakes on chile

The Lake and Volcano District in Chile, also known as the Araucanía and Los Ríos regions, is a stunning natural and cultural region located in the southern part of the country. This region is characterized by its beautiful landscapes, which include pristine lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, lush forests, and hot springs.
The region is home to several active and dormant volcanoes, including Villarrica, Osorno, and Llaima. Villarrica is one of the most famous volcanoes and is known for its symmetrical cone and its occasional eruptions.
The district features numerous glacial lakes, with some of the most notable ones being Lake Villarrica, Lake Ranco, Lake Puyehue, and Lake Calafquén. These lakes offer opportunities for water sports, fishing, and boating.
The area is dotted with national parks and nature reserves, such as Villarrica National Park, Huerquehue National Park, and Conguillío National Park. These parks offer hiking trails, camping sites, and a chance to explore the pristine wilderness.
The Lake and Volcano District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, and white-water rafting in this picturesque environment.
The region is also home to several indigenous Mapuche communities. Visitors can learn about the Mapuche culture, traditions, and history through cultural tours and experiences.
The area is rich in natural hot springs, where you can relax and unwind in geothermal waters. Termas Geométricas and Termas de Puyehue are popular hot spring destinations.
The region is known for its adventure tourism, including volcano climbing, canopy tours, and zip-lining. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Travelers can take scenic drives through the district, such as the Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos) and the Andes Crossing (Cruce de los Andes), which offer breathtaking views of the landscapes.

What to visit?

Pucon


Pucón is a charming city located in the Lake and Volcano District of Chile, specifically in the Araucanía Region in the southern part of the country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chile due to its stunning natural surroundings and the wide range of outdoor activities it offers.
Pucón is set against the backdrop of the Villarrica Volcano, which is often snow-capped and provides a picturesque view. The city is also situated on the shores of Lake Villarrica, a beautiful glacial lake.
Pucón is renowned for its adventure tourism. Visitors come here for activities like hiking, trekking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, and horseback riding. The Villarrica Volcano offers opportunities for climbing and skiing during the winter months.
The region around Pucón is known for its natural hot springs. Termas Geométricas is one of the most famous hot spring complexes, offering a relaxing experience in a beautiful forested setting.
Lake Villarrica provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and jet skiing. You can also take a boat tour on the lake to appreciate the stunning scenery.
The city is located near Villarrica National Park, which offers numerous hiking trails and the chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. The hike to the crater of Villarrica Volcano is a popular and challenging trek.
Pucón is in an area with a strong Mapuche indigenous influence. Visitors can learn about the Mapuche culture and history through cultural tours and experiences.
Pucón is easily accessible from the city of Temuco, which has an airport with domestic flights. It’s also reachable by road from other major cities in Chile.

Huilo Huilo


Huilo Huilo is a unique and ecologically diverse private natural reserve located in southern Chile, within the Lake and Volcano District. It is known for its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve is part of the Southern Andes Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO. This designation reflects its importance for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
One of the most distinctive features of Huilo Huilo is its unconventional and eco-friendly lodging options. The reserve offers a range of accommodations, including tree houses, the famous “Montaña Mágica Lodge” shaped like a volcano, and other architecturally unique structures.
The reserve is surrounded by pristine Patagonian rainforests, snow-capped volcanoes, and numerous rivers and waterfalls. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including pumas, foxes, pudú (the world’s smallest deer), and numerous bird species. Visitors have the opportunity to spot these animals in their natural habitat.
The reserve boasts several picturesque waterfalls, including the Huilo Huilo Waterfall, which cascades down a moss-covered rock face. The Puma Waterfall is another popular natural attraction.
Huilo Huilo is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and eco-friendly accommodations. Its commitment to environmental conservation and its stunning natural beauty make it a memorable place to visit in the Lake and Volcano District of Chile.

Valdivia


Valdivia is a charming city located in southern Chile, in the Los Ríos Region. It is known for its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and a vibrant cultural scene.
The city is situated on the banks of the Valdivia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. You can take a relaxing walk along the riverfront promenade, enjoy a boat tour, or even take a boat to visit nearby islands.
The Mercado Fluvial (Fish Market) is a must-visit for seafood lovers. You can sample fresh seafood dishes or purchase seafood to take home. It’s also a great place to get a taste of the local cuisine.
Valdivia is known for its craft beer scene. There are several breweries, or cervecerías, in the city where you can enjoy locally brewed beers. Try some of the unique flavors and styles.
Check the local events calendar for festivals, concerts, and cultural events happening in Valdivia. The city often hosts cultural and music festivals throughout the year.
Valdivia is a city that combines history, nature, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore southern Chile. It’s also a gateway to the beautiful surrounding region, including the Valdivian Coastal Reserve and the Lake District, offering numerous outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore.

Pacific Islands in pictures

Mapuche culture, lakes, volcanoes and much, much more to see.

Why people loves nave tours

NMC
NMC
2023-04-15
A Special Travel Agent During our family's trip to Chile and Argentina from December 2022 to January 2023, Mario Mellado from Nave Tours provided exceptional service. Mario promptly responded to our requests and worked with us to create a customized itinerary that included excellent guides and hotel accommodations. Even when we faced an unexpected airline disruption that required several changes to our plans, Mario quickly responded and efficiently reworked our itinerary. He also ensured that we received eligible refunds for prepaid hotel costs. Mario went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable, demonstrating a high level of care for our family's needs. Overall, we highly recommend Mario and Nave Tours for their excellent service.
Travelwag
Travelwag
2023-03-26
I highly recommend NAVE TOURS. I was struggling to book travel to Chile when I came across Chiara on a web search. I was reluctant to book with a company unknown to me, but after meeting face to face via WhatsApp with Chiara, my husband and I felt comfortable booking with her. She made excellent recommendations and saved us from spending time in undesirable locations. Chiara was exceptionally responsive and got back to me in a very timely manner as we worked to put an itinerary together. The 3 weeks went without a hitch. Incredibly all the tour guides and transfers arrived exactly as planned. The tours were all with English speaking guides and excellent. I can’t recommend this company enough. In regards to the payment, Nave suggested using WISE money transfer. This was a leap of faith for me as I was not familiar with this platform. The fees are exceptionally low for transfers. I took the plunge and hoped for the best and again, this payment method worked well. If we travel in South America again I will be booking with Nave Tours.
AHMED
AHMED
2023-01-02
Tailored trips by Mario(Nave Tours) Mario arranged everything in my trip from A to Z tailored on my requirements, and given attention to details based on previous trips which he arranged(like in what are my accommodation preferences, duration of stays, private transportation , etc.). In addition, the people who pick me up from airport are always English speakers, friendly and besides they are locals. So they explain detailed history of the places visiting and also offering any sort of support needed. I only rely on Mario for my Central/South American countries, highly recommended!!
Erin P
Erin P
2022-12-12
Definitely worth hiking Aguas de Ramon in Santiago We used nave tours to hike Aguas de Ramon outside of Santiago! He booked a guide for us that arranged communication, pick up, drop off, park fees, and info. Our guide was wonderful and very accommodating. He carried our extra water and let one of us use his hiking stick. It would have been a much less enjoyable hike without his presence!
Marian S
Marian S
2020-03-06
Made to feel special I travelled solo to Chile in February 2020. I booked an Antarctic Cruise leaving from Punta Arenas and wanted activities on either side of the cruise dates that would give me a fair view of what Chile is like. After months of exploring ideas, available tours and costs I despaired at finding anything suitable that did not involve paying a single supplement for accommodation or space on a tour. I Googled for travel agents with specialised knowledge of Chile and asked for help in securing single-priced accommodation in specific places. Only one agent responded - Nave Tours. Within no time Mario and I agreed on places and activities. He gave valuable input on my ideas and was accommodating in my wish to experience the Mapuche culture. His arrangements here exceeded my expectations.Two weeks before I was due to leave for Chile my Antarctic cruise was cancelled, leaving a gaping hole in my itinerary. Within three days of asking Mario to help fill the gap and expand the range of places to see, it was all finalised and paid for. He extended my scope to include the desert area around La Serena because he knew I'd be interested in indigenous culture. This was a superb idea.The logistics of travel went off without a hitch. Where travel time was long he ensured that my driver was English speaking so I could have conversations about Chile, its culture, history and current tensions. Every plane was met. Each hotel booked without complications on arrival or departure.Mario's email responses to my queries from the far side of the Atlantic at all hours made me feel he didn't sleep much and that I was the only client who mattered. I felt super safe in his hands. I could relax and enjoy my holiday.
Esther C
Esther C
2020-01-27
trip of a lifetime i was googling for agents who could plan a trip to patagonia that would cover 1) all the places i wanted and 2) for the dates that i could travel. loads of agencies out there but nothing that fit my bill or wallet. stumbled across Nanook, which is essentially a matchmaker between you and one of their agents local to the place you want to go, and that’s how i met Mario of Navetours. Mario’s emails may come across curt at first, but i realised that’s just how he phrases things. almost every email i sent was promptly replied to, and with the information i needed. as a solo female, i had loads of questions and concerns about my safety, but Mario was able to put me at ease. when the protests in santiago broke out, he also kept me updated and even offered to change hotels for me to a suburb that was safer and further away from the protests. the tours that he arranged for me were great. i enjoyed myself immensely travelling to south patagonia, tierra del fuego and atacama. the pace was just nice and the people i’ve met were great and friendly too! whatever activities and hikes i wanted to do, mario was able to recommend the right ones. if there’s one that was slightly economically unsound, Mario also made sure that i know before i make any commitment.we kept in constant contact throughout my trip using WhatsApp, which was great for when there’s any issue. the only qualm i had was with the Keoken Hostel; the staff was aloof and even grumpy when they realised i was right and had a reservation with them - when it was actually their staff who forgot to key it in after receiving payment months ago. i’m sure there’re way better accommodations in Punta Arenas. in any case, i would highly recommend Mario and Navetours if you’re heading to Patagonia!
Monika M
Monika M
2019-10-07
Great service and professional partner. Great service for our travel agency's client from Poland. Nave Tours organized a tailor made trip lasting over 3 weeks including Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The cooperation was fantastic and very professional on each step - from planning till the end of guest's trip. Great people, very helpful and perfect organization. An unforgettable experience for our client. We are looking forward to working with you again.
Ida Elise T
Ida Elise T
2019-07-30
Peru and Bolivia Very good service and help to create the perfect in Peru and Boliva. Included all the highlights we wanted to see and made a program that was easy to understand and where all the details were included.
joeymantua
joeymantua
2019-06-05
Amazing tour guide and enriching cultural experience I went on a study abroad trip with my school visiting Santiago (Chile), Valparaiso (Chile), and Buenos Aires (Argentina). My group's tour guide Mario was personable, informative and great at planning activities. Not only did he take us to great restaurants and tourist attractions but he also provided us with recommendations for when we had nothing planned. Mario's dedication to our group was incredible and he definitely left a positive mark on me and my whole group.
Christina
Christina
2019-06-04
An unforgettable experience. For two weeks, I as well as 19 of my peers went on a study abroad trip to Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina with Mario as our tour guide. This was my first time ever traveling out of the United States and everything was EXCELLENT. Mario truly made it an unforgettable experience. He was always patient with our group, made sure everything was scheduled accordingly, and was able to bounce back and work quickly to resolve any bumps that came along. His outgoing and caring personality made the trip even more enjoyable, and I was genuinely sad to see him go when our trip was over.

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Things not to miss when visiting Lake & Volcanoes district

Enjoy outdoor activities with hot spring while visiting the Mapuche Culture.

Villarrica Volcano Climb

Pucón is famous for its active volcano, Villarrica. You can take guided tours to climb the volcano, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the opportunity to see the lava inside the crater.

Villarrica Volcano Climb

Huerquehue National Park

This park is known for its pristine lakes, forests, and hiking trails. Guided tours can take you on hikes through the park, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna.

Huerquehue National Park

Clear Water Rafting

Pucón is surrounded by rivers, making it an excellent destination for white water rafting. You can book rafting tours that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to experienced rafters.

clear water Rafting

Hot Springs

The area around Pucón is rich in natural hot springs. There are tours that can take you to these relaxing thermal baths where you can unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Hot Springs

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):

 The region’s lakes and rivers offer opportunities for kayaking and SUP. You can rent equipment or join guided tours to explore the waterways.

Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding SUP

Canopy Tours

Pucón is also known for its canopy or zip line tours. These tours allow you to glide through the treetops while enjoying stunning views of the forest and rivers.

Canopy Tours

Horseback Riding

Explore the countryside and forests on horseback by joining guided horseback riding tours. It’s a great way to connect with nature.

Horseback Riding

Cultural Tours

Learn about the indigenous Mapuche culture by taking cultural tours. These tours often include visits to Mapuche communities and workshops where you can learn about their traditions.

Cultural Tours

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Explore the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can take guided hikes and nature walks to discover the pristine forests, waterfalls, and wildlife of the reserve.

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Waterfall Rappelling

Experience the thrill of waterfall rappelling in the lush rainforest. This adventure allows you to descend waterfalls while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.

Waterfall Rappelling

Canopy and Ziplining

Huilo Huilo offers canopy and zipline tours that allow you to soar through the forest canopy, providing a unique perspective of the landscape.

Canopy and Ziplining

Thermal Baths

Relax in the natural thermal baths and hot springs in the area. The healing waters are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Thermal Baths

Horseback Riding

Explore the surroundings on horseback. Guided horseback riding tours are available for all skill levels and offer a unique perspective on the local flora and fauna.

Horseback Riding 1

Visit the Magic Mountain

The Magic Mountain is a hotel in the shape of a volcano, and you can take a tour to see its interior and enjoy the unique architecture.

Visit the Magic Mountain

Huilo Huilo Waterfalls

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the impressive Huilo Huilo Waterfalls, which are surrounded by lush vegetation. Guided tours will take you to viewpoints and provide information about the area.

Huilo Huilo Waterfalls

Mapuche Cultural Experiences

Learn about the indigenous Mapuche culture by participating in cultural tours and workshops, which may include traditional ceremonies and artisan demonstrations.

Mapuche Cultural Experiences

Skiing and Snow Activities

In the winter months, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Mocho-Choshuenco Volcano ski resort.

Skiing and Snow Activities

Birdwatching

Huilo Huilo is a paradise for birdwatchers. Guided birdwatching tours will help you spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Birdwatching

Visit the Nothofagus Forest

Explore the ancient Nothofagus forest, a unique and ancient forest type found in southern Chile and Argentina.

Visit the Nothofagus Forest

Historic City Tour

Join a guided walking tour of Valdivia’s historic city center to learn about its colonial history, architecture, and local legends. Visit landmarks like the Valdivia Cathedral and Plaza de la República.

Historic City Tour

Valdivia River Cruise

Take a boat tour on the Valdivia River to explore the city from a different perspective. You can enjoy scenic views of the riverbanks, the cityscape, and the surrounding natural beauty.

Valdivia River Cruise

Cervecerías (Brewery Tours)

Valdivia is known for its craft beer scene. Join a brewery tour to taste locally brewed beers and learn about the brewing process.
Birdwatching: Valdivia and its surrounding wetlands are home to various bird species. Join a birdwatching tour to spot black-necked swans and other avian wildlife.

Cervecerias Brewery Tours

Birdwatching

Valdivia and its surrounding wetlands are home to various bird species. Join a birdwatching tour to spot black-necked swans and other avian wildlife.

Birdwatching1

Valdivian Coastal Reserve

Explore the Valdivian Coastal Reserve, known for its biodiversity and pristine forests. Guided hikes and nature walks are available to discover the natural beauty of this region.

Valdivian Coastal Reserve

Botanical Gardens

Spend time at the Jardín Botánico de la Universidad Austral de Chile to explore diverse plant species and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Botanical Gardens

Outdoor Activities

Depending on the season, you can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the nearby rivers and lakes.

Outdoor Activities

Santuario de la Naturaleza Carlos Anwandter

Visit this nature sanctuary to observe black-necked swans, native flora, and fauna.

Santuario de la Naturaleza Carlos Anwandter